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Lighting for Multipurpose Rooms

Educational multipurpose rooms are designed to support the varied activities that take place within its walls, typically ranging from meeting and dining to multi-media and large-scale teaching use. Adequately meeting the lighting needs of a multipurpose space may require a layout that incorporates a variety of luminaires and/or lighting systems. This approach ensures the light levels are appropriate for all intended uses of the space. Dimming, occupancy sensing, and scheduling options should be considered to enhance flexibility and energy savings, while also addressing code requirements. Control options can be used to create zones, tailoring the lighting to the task at hand. High-abuse lighting solutions, certified to perform, are ideal for multipurpose educational spaces.

Kenall Luminaires for Multipurpose Rooms
Multipurpose Classroom and Theatre

Multipurpose Room Overview

Due to the variety of activities performed in a multipurpose room, fixture selection should be based primarily on durability and reliability. If impact challenges from sports exist, fixture construction and mounting should be carefully considered, as should risk to exit signs and receptacles. The use of additional fixtures with larger apertures not only improves the visibility of fast-moving objects but also reduces shadows. Well-lit ceilings are valued, although pendant mounting may be carefully considered. Dimming zones and focus areas are also ideal in accommodating variable use scenarios.

Lighting Best Practices

  1. Well-lit ceilings are preferred
  2. Consider other uses for the space
    • Plan dimming zones & focus areas to improve functionality
  3. Use more fixtures with larger apertures to:
    • Improve visibility of fast-moving objects
    • Reduce shadows
  4. Avoid single pendant systems for fixtures that are not round
  5. Remember exit signs and receptacles are at risk for impact and therefore susceptible to breakage

Fixture Construction

  1. Choose fixtures that balance aesthetics and durability
  2. Select fixtures with unbreakable diffusers and robust lens tethers

Mounting Considerations

  1. Use fixtures with larger apertures to:
    • Improve visibility of fast-moving objects
    • Reduce shadows
  2. Careful use of pendant mount fixtures with greater than10% uplight can be considered

Peace of Mind Guarantee

Kenall will repair or replace qualifying luminaires rendered inoperable due to intentional abuse by vandals or accidental impact for the normal service life of the fixture.

Learn More about our Peace of Mind Guarantee

Recommended Illuminance

Foot Candles (fc) @ surface / object Activity / Use
50 floor physical activity
20 floor hospitality
Multipurpose Classroom and Theatre

MLHA Series

Surface, pendant, or row mount the MLHA luminaire can effectively illuminate large spaces. Doing so provides efficient uplight to brighten the ceiling area and makes a space more open feeling. Each comes with our peace of mind guarantee against breakage for the normal service life of the fixture.

View Luminaires Ideal for Multipurpose Rooms

MLHA Series
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